Page 56 of Secret Baby for a Damaged Billionaire

Emily steps forward, holding out a neatly folded white gi adorned with a bouquet of flowers, a plane ticket peeking out from beneath the fabric. “We have a little surprise for you.”

Chloe looks up and sees the gi, confusion on her face. “You want me to learn jujitsu too?” she asks.

Emily laughs, looking down at her own gi. “No, Chloe. We want you to come with us.” And she tugs the plane ticket out and hands it to her. As Chloe sees her name on the ticket, her eyes light up and mist over. “Will you be my maid of honor?”

I step closer and put my arm around her shoulder. “We’d both be honored to have you there to represent us.”

For a moment, it’s as if time stands still, the air thick with anticipation. Chloe stares at us, her jaw slack, her eyes wide.

“Is this… is this for real?” she finally manages to ask, her voice wavering.

“Absolutely,” I confirm, feeling a warmth spreading through my chest as I watch Chloe struggle to process the news.

“Wow.” Chloe blinks rapidly, tears pooling in her eyes. “I mean, I never expected Emily to get married before me, but… wow.”

“I didn’t plan it this way, I swear,” Emily jokes lightly, trying to break the tension.

“Clearly.” Chloe lets out a shaky laugh and then, taking a deep breath, she looks at us both, determination shining in her eyes. “I would be absolutely honored to be your maid of honor.”

As we stand there, the three of us wrapped up in each other’s arms, I realize that this is what true happiness feels like. We’re a family, and we have our tribe, and I couldn’t be happier.

Chapter Twenty-Five (Emily)

The airport terminal buzzes with energy and anticipation as I walk hand-in-hand with Lucas. My heart races, and I can’t help but smile, thinking about the adventure that awaits us. Dubai, a city of luxury and extravagance—is the perfect backdrop for Lucas’s jujitsu team to compete in the international tournament.

“Are you excited?” he asks, squeezing my hand gently.

“Excited” doesn’t even begin to cover it. This trip represents so much: our future together, the success of his business, and our hard work and determination. I nod enthusiastically, unable to find words to express my emotions.

As we round a corner in the bustling terminal, we spot them, the Walker Enterprises team, decked out in sleek black tracksuits and hoodies emblazoned with the team logo. The bright orange pouncing tiger can be seen on each piece of merchandise, its claws extending out, reaching for victory. The team huddles together, exuding an air of camaraderie and confidence that makes me grin from ear to ear.

“Lucas! Emily!” Xavier calls out, his voice booming through the terminal. He strides toward us, arms open wide, and pulls us into a fierce group hug. “I can’t believe it’s finally here.”

“Xavier,” Lucas says, clapping him on the back, “there’s no better fighter, no better man to have as my best man.” The sincerity in his voice is palpable, and I see the pride in Xavier’s eyes as he grins at his friend.

“Thanks, man. You know I’ve got your back, always,” he replies, his loyalty evident in every word.

As the team converges around us, exchanging high fives and good-natured teasing, I take a moment to absorb the scene before me. These are the people who have become like family, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their unwavering support of both Lucas and me.

“Alright, team!” Lucas exclaims, drawing everyone’s attention. “We’ve got a flight to catch and a tournament to win. Let’s do this!”

A chorus of cheers echoes through the terminal as we prepare for our journey to Dubai, hearts full of excitement and anticipation. And as I glance at Lucas, his eyes shining with determination, I know that together, we are unstoppable.

“Can you believe we’re actually going to Dubai?” Chloe squeals, bouncing up and down on her toes as she clutches my arm. “This is going to be amazing!”

“I know!” I exclaim, sharing in her enthusiasm. “I’ve never been that far from home before, and it’s all so exciting.” I paused for a second. “Hey, was your mom good with taking Charlie while we’re gone?”

“Oh, yes, trust me. She’s going to spoil him rotten.” She laughs. “And now, you get to see Lucas kick some serious butt,” she adds with a wink.

“I know,” I reply, grinning at the thought of Lucas in the tournament. It’s true; his focus and determination are part of what makes him so attractive to me. But right now, he’s all business, discussing strategy with Xavier and the rest of the team. He’s completely in his element, and I can’t help but admire him from afar.

“Em,” he calls out suddenly, motioning for me to join him. I give Chloe a quick wave and head over to where he’s standing, feeling a flutter of anticipation in my stomach.

“Hey,” he says softly, pulling me aside so we’re out of earshot of the others. “I don’t want to miss a moment of this with you. I just wanted to tell you… I can’t wait for you to be my wife.”

“Really?” I ask, touched by his words. “Even with all the chaos of the tournament?”

“Especially because of the chaos,” he admits, smiling warmly at me. “You’re the calm in the storm, Emily. You ground me, remind me of what’s important. And I can’t imagine facing any challenge, on or off the mat, without you by my side.”

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